Summertime Calls for Knit Tops: Three New Ones for Me!

A staple of my summer wardrobe is knit tops, but I try to change it up a bit with them. If I am using a staple fabric, then I like to use a unusual knit top pattern, but if the fabric is fabulous on its own then I try to use a more basic pattern to showcase the fabric. It was hard to decide which knits to pick from Mood Fabrics extensive online selection but don’t worry, I was able to make three choices and add several more to my portfolio for future purchases. Some criteria for my knit tops: They had to looks good with jeans, skirts, shorts and, above all, white jeans.

and my third choice an Emerald rayon, which is sold out but you can find a wide selection of colors at Mood’s Rayon Jersey section.

My first top is from the striped knit and I wanted a stand-out type of pattern for it. It is McCall’s pattern 6752, with several options in length, sleeve, neckline variations and a zipper insertion in the ruched band (my favorite). The knit was beautiful to sew and the zipper insertion went together effortlessly. The front of the band is the only ruching or gathering to the zipper. I did use a longer zipper and just cut it to off after sewing on the band. Thanks to my Instagram friends, I went with the aqua zipper (majority choice) instead of the red. Thanks, friends, a much better look for this top. Here is a close-up of the zipper and the gathering.

I did add an inch to the bodice to keep the top from being to short. One thing I know for sure, another knit will be ordered to make the dress from this view, I love it!

One thing you do need to watch on this pattern is the neckline, which is wide, more of a boat-neck shape. Next time, I will sew those seams up just a bit more.

This top will be one of my favorites of the summer. I love the feel of the fabric and the style of the pattern. Just wait, you might see many more tops and dresses from this pattern.

Let’s move onto the Navy Silk jersey, a fabulous fabric which needs a simple pattern. I ordered this navy silk jersey after seeing a navy 3/4 sleeve top with white jeans and accessories on Pinterest. I thought what a classic, chic and timeless look with little effort and decision-making. My pattern for this fabric is an all-time favorite, Simplicity 4076. I cannot even count the number of times I have made this pattern. I love the gathered neckline, the fit and all the views. This silk jersey is perfect for the top and I love the feel of this fabric. Navy is such a classic color and I have so many things to wear with this color. Plus, the silk in combination with the knit makes this such a luscious fabric.

Here is the same picture with a closer-view

Now check out the gathers at the neckline: I used my coverstitch machine to fasten the neckbinding down. It does flatten the gathers but I am okay with that, I like the look of the coverstitch.

Last but not least is the emerald rayon (Pantone’s color of the year) with that perfect drape and hand. I wanted a pattern that would not cling but show the drape of this fabric. I had a style in mind and found it closest in Hot Patterns Fast & Furious Fiesta Knit top but with many alterations.

The top has so much extra room, large batwing style sleeves and too much fabric in the front – all this my opinion but many reviews state the same thing. The one thing going for it was the initial style was what I wanted.

I made the top as the pattern stated, tried it on and thought, “wow, this needs lots of work!” I redrew the underarm sleeve to eliminate many inches from the sleeves and side seams. Another change, was unsewing the band and removed the extra fabric from the front. As you can see in the above picture, there is still a bit too much material. The pattern has a curve in the front with the deepest part of the curve in the center front. I feel this makes the top look maternity-style and in the future I will make the front more of a straight line.

What do I think of this top? Well, I love, love the fabric it has a wonderful feel and color is perfect. The pattern needs work and I still might take off the band and cut off some more of the curve. I do know I feel great wearing this top and I like my end results from the pattern. Isn’t that why we sew, to make things perfect for us? I see more rayon jerseys heading to Missouri and a few more revisions on this pattern.

I have always enjoyed sewing knit tops, they are quick but have such satisfying results. I did have some extra robin’s egg blue/white stripe knit and thought the grandson needed a little onesie. I added red binding and embroidery with cars.

Notice the label: I didn’t think the little guy needed a “Girls in the Garden” label so I ordered “Boys on the Farm” labels.

Summertime Calls for Knit Tops: Three New Ones for Me! was last modified: August 30th, 2013 by Girls in the Garden